Thesaurus results for RATIONALE

rationale

noun

ˌra-shə-ˈnal

Definition of rationale

as in explanation

a statement given to explain a belief or act the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of rationale Still, pointing at newly rising roster-compensation costs will serve as the rationale as to why this is happening now. — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Cameron lobbied to pitch the ninth inning but understood his manager’s rationale. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 In the end, flexible architecture for the people could only come to fruition by undercutting its own populist rationale. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 Failure to report use of force Green explained her rationale in the personnel board’s order, giving a glimpse into what the video footage showed. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationale

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale

Noun

For Bondele, the explanations have done little to ease the uncertainty.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
As more radio surveys discover new ORCs, astronomers are getting closer to understanding them, but no single explanation has yet emerged.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.

— Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
The suit maintains that the commission’s denial does not identify any adverse impact to a wetland function or value, nor any feasible and prudent alternatives to address the Commission’s reasons for denial, in violation of state law, Conn.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

Washington decidedthat the argument had already been won and stopped making it.

— James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Features like autoplay, infinite scroll and algorithmic content recommendations have been the prime targets of legal arguments that social media platforms are designed to be addictive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of argument

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rational

rationale

rationales

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“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationale

noun

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